Acts 9:31
Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied.
After the Spirit coming to the disciples and apostles and leading Peter to publicly point at the Christ, persecution of those delivered from death to life, Saul's conversion, the church accepting God's call on Saul, and the gospel's spreading - there was a time of peace. This peace had the fear of God and comfort of the Comforter as its source, and so the church continued to grow. As promised, God put a new heart in those of stone and His Spirit, Himself, in His people He called out.
Friday, March 31, 2017
Thursday, March 30, 2017
Acknowledging God's Work
Acts 9:27-30
27 But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. And he declared to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus. 28 So he was with them at Jerusalem, coming in and going out. 29 And he spoke boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus and disputed against the Hellenists, but they attempted to kill him. 30 When the brethren found out, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him out to Tarsus.
Though many believers feared Saul, Barnabas saw God working in him, both in Saul's testimony of how Christ called him and in the good words of life spoken by the former enemy. So Saul spoke boldly to the Greek speaking Jews from scripture to show Jesus is the Messiah, and the believers began to accept this was God's work. But as Saul showed the truth of God's word, he made enemies who wanted to kill him - and the believers got him out of town in time. So we should speak truth at all costs.
27 But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. And he declared to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus. 28 So he was with them at Jerusalem, coming in and going out. 29 And he spoke boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus and disputed against the Hellenists, but they attempted to kill him. 30 When the brethren found out, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him out to Tarsus.
Though many believers feared Saul, Barnabas saw God working in him, both in Saul's testimony of how Christ called him and in the good words of life spoken by the former enemy. So Saul spoke boldly to the Greek speaking Jews from scripture to show Jesus is the Messiah, and the believers began to accept this was God's work. But as Saul showed the truth of God's word, he made enemies who wanted to kill him - and the believers got him out of town in time. So we should speak truth at all costs.
Wednesday, March 29, 2017
Is HE a Disciple?
Acts 9:23-26
23 Now after many days were past, the Jews plotted to kill him. 24 But their plot became known to Saul. And they watched the gates day and night, to kill him. 25 Then the disciples took him by night and let him down through the wall in a large basket. 26 And when Saul had come to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, and did not believe that he was a disciple.
The religious leaders of the Jews were threatened by this new sect (which was really just the core of the old, fulfilled), and so made plans to kill Saul. Some followers of Christ helped him escape, but then those in Jerusalem did not even believe he followed Jesus, let alone trust him after killing so many disciples not long ago. So we may be targeted by those without and within as we follow Him in Spirit and in truth. We press toward the goal, running the race to see His face.
23 Now after many days were past, the Jews plotted to kill him. 24 But their plot became known to Saul. And they watched the gates day and night, to kill him. 25 Then the disciples took him by night and let him down through the wall in a large basket. 26 And when Saul had come to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, and did not believe that he was a disciple.
The religious leaders of the Jews were threatened by this new sect (which was really just the core of the old, fulfilled), and so made plans to kill Saul. Some followers of Christ helped him escape, but then those in Jerusalem did not even believe he followed Jesus, let alone trust him after killing so many disciples not long ago. So we may be targeted by those without and within as we follow Him in Spirit and in truth. We press toward the goal, running the race to see His face.
Tuesday, March 28, 2017
Preaching the Son of God
Acts 9:20-22
20 Immediately he preached the Christ in the synagogues, that He is the Son of God. 21 Then all who heard were amazed, and said, “Is this not he who destroyed those who called on this name in Jerusalem, and has come here for that purpose, so that he might bring them bound to the chief priests?” 22 But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who dwelt in Damascus, proving that this Jesus is the Christ.
Saul was changed by the Son of God, whom he formerly attacked, so he could tell others who He is. People could not understand how this could be the same destroyer of Christ's followers until that time. But God grew Saul, giving wisdom and strength to prove Jesus was the Messiah (Christ) from the Old Testament. God had sovereignly trained Saul as a Pharisee to know the scriptures, then used that deep knowledge with added understanding by His Spirit to stop the mouths of religious leaders. Not many wise are called, but this was one of them.
20 Immediately he preached the Christ in the synagogues, that He is the Son of God. 21 Then all who heard were amazed, and said, “Is this not he who destroyed those who called on this name in Jerusalem, and has come here for that purpose, so that he might bring them bound to the chief priests?” 22 But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who dwelt in Damascus, proving that this Jesus is the Christ.
Saul was changed by the Son of God, whom he formerly attacked, so he could tell others who He is. People could not understand how this could be the same destroyer of Christ's followers until that time. But God grew Saul, giving wisdom and strength to prove Jesus was the Messiah (Christ) from the Old Testament. God had sovereignly trained Saul as a Pharisee to know the scriptures, then used that deep knowledge with added understanding by His Spirit to stop the mouths of religious leaders. Not many wise are called, but this was one of them.
Monday, March 27, 2017
Chosen Vessel to All
Acts 9:15-18
15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. 16 For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name's sake.” 17 And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptized.
Ananias listened to God, went to Saul, and put his hands on him to receive physical and spiritual sight; Saul received God's Spirit and was immersed into Christ. He was reborn. God would show Saul the many sufferings to come for the name of Christ, just as those he persecuted before suffered much under his hand. But Saul would become Paul and rejoice in those sufferings for Christ and the gospel's sake. He knew the cost and the price paid for him, so His grace would be sufficient for his weakness.
15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. 16 For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name's sake.” 17 And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptized.
Ananias listened to God, went to Saul, and put his hands on him to receive physical and spiritual sight; Saul received God's Spirit and was immersed into Christ. He was reborn. God would show Saul the many sufferings to come for the name of Christ, just as those he persecuted before suffered much under his hand. But Saul would become Paul and rejoice in those sufferings for Christ and the gospel's sake. He knew the cost and the price paid for him, so His grace would be sufficient for his weakness.
Sunday, March 26, 2017
Straight to Sight
Acts 9:11-14
11 So the Lord said to him, “Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying. 12 And in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him, so that he might receive his sight.” 13 Then Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem. 14 And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name.”
Ananias was told to give sight to the blind Saul, one who had men like him tied up and taken away to torture and death for the sake and name of Jesus Christ. He knew all the history to date on the many saints who were harmed so far, and it is most likely that he was also afraid to be next. Yet the call from Jesus was to go so Saul could see - the blind to receive physical as well as spiritual eyes to see. So we are called to haters and persecutors, atheists and agnostics, misled and violent against Christ in us - all for the gospel. We bring others to see so God may give them sight.
11 So the Lord said to him, “Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying. 12 And in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him, so that he might receive his sight.” 13 Then Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem. 14 And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name.”
Ananias was told to give sight to the blind Saul, one who had men like him tied up and taken away to torture and death for the sake and name of Jesus Christ. He knew all the history to date on the many saints who were harmed so far, and it is most likely that he was also afraid to be next. Yet the call from Jesus was to go so Saul could see - the blind to receive physical as well as spiritual eyes to see. So we are called to haters and persecutors, atheists and agnostics, misled and violent against Christ in us - all for the gospel. We bring others to see so God may give them sight.
Saturday, March 25, 2017
Led to Damascus
Acts 9:8-9
8 Then Saul arose from the ground, and when his eyes were opened he saw no one. But they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. 9 And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank.
After Saul was blinded by the light of God's glory on the road to Damascus, he got up but was blind. So he was led into the city as he was told to do by Jesus when he asked Him what he needed to do after persecuting Jesus and His followers. For the same amount of days the Jesus lay in the grave after being crucified to death Saul sat as if dead, not seeing or eating as in the grave. He awaited life.
8 Then Saul arose from the ground, and when his eyes were opened he saw no one. But they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. 9 And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank.
After Saul was blinded by the light of God's glory on the road to Damascus, he got up but was blind. So he was led into the city as he was told to do by Jesus when he asked Him what he needed to do after persecuting Jesus and His followers. For the same amount of days the Jesus lay in the grave after being crucified to death Saul sat as if dead, not seeing or eating as in the grave. He awaited life.
Friday, March 24, 2017
Blinded by the Light
Acts 9:5-7
5 And he said, “Who are You, Lord?” Then the Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.” 6 So he, trembling and astonished, said, “Lord, what do You want me to do?” Then the Lord said to him, “Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” 7 And the men who journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice but seeing no one.
When Jesus asked why Saul was attacking Him through His followers, Saul seemed to not know who spoke. Jesus told him, and told him it was useless to resist God. So Saul wisely asked what to do. Jesus had arranged that already also, and told him where to go to hear the rest of the answer from one of the followers Saul intended indirectly to eventually persecute also. God has a way of using unlikely people and circumstances in leading and guiding us to Himself and His work.
5 And he said, “Who are You, Lord?” Then the Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.” 6 So he, trembling and astonished, said, “Lord, what do You want me to do?” Then the Lord said to him, “Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” 7 And the men who journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice but seeing no one.
When Jesus asked why Saul was attacking Him through His followers, Saul seemed to not know who spoke. Jesus told him, and told him it was useless to resist God. So Saul wisely asked what to do. Jesus had arranged that already also, and told him where to go to hear the rest of the answer from one of the followers Saul intended indirectly to eventually persecute also. God has a way of using unlikely people and circumstances in leading and guiding us to Himself and His work.
Thursday, March 23, 2017
Persecuting Christ
Acts 9:1-4
1 Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 2 and asked letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. 3 As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. 4 Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?”
Saul watched Stephen being stoned and asking forgiveness for those killing him, and now went on to hate and murder anyone identifying with or speaking of Jesus the Christ. So he had written permission to round them up, tie them up, and send them up to Jerusalem. But God met him on the way to stop this Way, and shone light on him with the question, "why are you persecuting ME?" By attacking God's people, Saul was attacking the very God he thought he was so zealous for...
1 Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 2 and asked letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. 3 As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. 4 Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?”
Saul watched Stephen being stoned and asking forgiveness for those killing him, and now went on to hate and murder anyone identifying with or speaking of Jesus the Christ. So he had written permission to round them up, tie them up, and send them up to Jerusalem. But God met him on the way to stop this Way, and shone light on him with the question, "why are you persecuting ME?" By attacking God's people, Saul was attacking the very God he thought he was so zealous for...
Wednesday, March 22, 2017
Stop the Chariot!
Acts 8:38-40
38 So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him. 39 Now when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away, so that the eunuch saw him no more; and he went on his way rejoicing. 40 But Philip was found at Azotus. And passing through, he preached in all the cities till he came to Caesarea.
The Ethiopian man was baptized and Philip took off again at God's leading by His Spirit. So the man was extremely happy and went his way as Philip went His. The Philip continued to spread the words of life all the way to Caesarea. He was faithful to listen and follow as God led, whether to the middle of nowhere on an almost empty road, or in the cities. A good example for us all.
38 So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him. 39 Now when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away, so that the eunuch saw him no more; and he went on his way rejoicing. 40 But Philip was found at Azotus. And passing through, he preached in all the cities till he came to Caesarea.
The Ethiopian man was baptized and Philip took off again at God's leading by His Spirit. So the man was extremely happy and went his way as Philip went His. The Philip continued to spread the words of life all the way to Caesarea. He was faithful to listen and follow as God led, whether to the middle of nowhere on an almost empty road, or in the cities. A good example for us all.
Tuesday, March 21, 2017
Believe With Whole Heart
Acts 8:35-37
34 So the eunuch answered Philip and said, “I ask you, of whom does the prophet say this, of himself or of some other man?” 35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him. 36 Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, “See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?” 37 Then Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” And he answered and said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”
The Christ-Messiah who was told about over 700 years before He was born as a man, this is the Jesus Philip explained to the Ethiopian. The man received faith to believe Jesus was who He said - the Son of God - and did all He did as was told long before. So he was reborn and was baptized outwardly in water after being immersed inwardly in Christ and His Spirit. Nothing hindered him from obedience to reflect outwardly what was worked inside by faith. So we are also told by God through others from His book who He is and what He did for us from long ago. We have only to trust He is the Son with all our heart also.
34 So the eunuch answered Philip and said, “I ask you, of whom does the prophet say this, of himself or of some other man?” 35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him. 36 Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, “See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?” 37 Then Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” And he answered and said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”
The Christ-Messiah who was told about over 700 years before He was born as a man, this is the Jesus Philip explained to the Ethiopian. The man received faith to believe Jesus was who He said - the Son of God - and did all He did as was told long before. So he was reborn and was baptized outwardly in water after being immersed inwardly in Christ and His Spirit. Nothing hindered him from obedience to reflect outwardly what was worked inside by faith. So we are also told by God through others from His book who He is and what He did for us from long ago. We have only to trust He is the Son with all our heart also.
Monday, March 20, 2017
Do You Understand What You're Reading?
Acts 8:30-33
30 So Philip ran to him, and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah, and said, “Do you understand what you are reading?” 31 And he said, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he asked Philip to come up and sit with him. 32 The place in the Scripture which he read was this: “He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; And as a lamb before its shearer is silent, So He opened not His mouth. 33 In His humiliation His justice was taken away, And who will declare His generation? For His life is taken from the earth.”
How do people understand the scriptures unless they have guidance to help from one who has the mind of Christ? So we who know him should be like Philip here, taking the time to explain things when asked, such as when Isaiah spoke of the Messiah suffering to die for is and receiving our justice when He was guiltless. The lamb of God took away the sin of the world, and this was planned out and revealed long ago - the gospel needs to be explained. By us.
30 So Philip ran to him, and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah, and said, “Do you understand what you are reading?” 31 And he said, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he asked Philip to come up and sit with him. 32 The place in the Scripture which he read was this: “He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; And as a lamb before its shearer is silent, So He opened not His mouth. 33 In His humiliation His justice was taken away, And who will declare His generation? For His life is taken from the earth.”
How do people understand the scriptures unless they have guidance to help from one who has the mind of Christ? So we who know him should be like Philip here, taking the time to explain things when asked, such as when Isaiah spoke of the Messiah suffering to die for is and receiving our justice when He was guiltless. The lamb of God took away the sin of the world, and this was planned out and revealed long ago - the gospel needs to be explained. By us.
Sunday, March 19, 2017
Divine Appointment
Acts 8:26-29
26 Now an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, saying, “Arise and go toward the south along the road which goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” This is desert. 27 So he arose and went. And behold, a man of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under Candace the queen of the Ethiopians, who had charge of all her treasury, and had come to Jerusalem to worship, 28 was returning. And sitting in his chariot, he was reading Isaiah the prophet. 29 Then the Spirit said to Philip, “Go near and overtake this chariot.”
When God moved Philip to go to a remote road, he did not ask why he should go to where no people lived, nor did he ask if he had enough resources or if if could be dangerous. He simply went as directed. There God brought him to an important man, a treasurer of a queen, who happened to be traveling by as he read Isaiah from the scriptures. God's Spirit then moved Philip to run up to the man as he was moving along. So he did.
26 Now an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, saying, “Arise and go toward the south along the road which goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” This is desert. 27 So he arose and went. And behold, a man of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under Candace the queen of the Ethiopians, who had charge of all her treasury, and had come to Jerusalem to worship, 28 was returning. And sitting in his chariot, he was reading Isaiah the prophet. 29 Then the Spirit said to Philip, “Go near and overtake this chariot.”
When God moved Philip to go to a remote road, he did not ask why he should go to where no people lived, nor did he ask if he had enough resources or if if could be dangerous. He simply went as directed. There God brought him to an important man, a treasurer of a queen, who happened to be traveling by as he read Isaiah from the scriptures. God's Spirit then moved Philip to run up to the man as he was moving along. So he did.
Saturday, March 18, 2017
Sincere Repentance?
Acts 8:22-25
22 Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you. 23 For I see that you are poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity.” 24 Then Simon answered and said, “Pray to the Lord for me, that none of the things which you have spoken may come upon me.” 25 So when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, they returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.
After Simon wanted to buy God's power and the ability to give it to others, he prayed only that nothing bad would happen to him. He was told his sin and bitterness bound him until that evil was turned away from, but we do not know how sincere or complete Simon's answer was. The apostles then continued to proclaim God's good words of life to many in Samaria. Whether or not sincerity is returned when the gospel is told, it must go on to reach the hearts of those with ears to hear.
22 Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you. 23 For I see that you are poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity.” 24 Then Simon answered and said, “Pray to the Lord for me, that none of the things which you have spoken may come upon me.” 25 So when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, they returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.
After Simon wanted to buy God's power and the ability to give it to others, he prayed only that nothing bad would happen to him. He was told his sin and bitterness bound him until that evil was turned away from, but we do not know how sincere or complete Simon's answer was. The apostles then continued to proclaim God's good words of life to many in Samaria. Whether or not sincerity is returned when the gospel is told, it must go on to reach the hearts of those with ears to hear.
Friday, March 17, 2017
Cannot Buy God's Spirit
Acts 8:18-21
18 And when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money, 19 saying, “Give me this power also, that anyone on whom I lay hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” 20 But Peter said to him, “Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money! 21 You have neither part nor portion in this matter, for your heart is not right in the sight of God.
God's Spirit is not to be bought or sold, not to be treated as a power, force, or gift to be traded for personal gain - He is God Himself. Even now He is offered as a cure for disease, personal failures, and all kinds of difficulties, but God gives His Spirit on His terms to make us His children. He gives us ability to understand and tell clearly the words of life that are the gospel. Those like Simon who market God for personal gain lose all the gifts they might have received for His glory.
18 And when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money, 19 saying, “Give me this power also, that anyone on whom I lay hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” 20 But Peter said to him, “Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money! 21 You have neither part nor portion in this matter, for your heart is not right in the sight of God.
God's Spirit is not to be bought or sold, not to be treated as a power, force, or gift to be traded for personal gain - He is God Himself. Even now He is offered as a cure for disease, personal failures, and all kinds of difficulties, but God gives His Spirit on His terms to make us His children. He gives us ability to understand and tell clearly the words of life that are the gospel. Those like Simon who market God for personal gain lose all the gifts they might have received for His glory.
Thursday, March 16, 2017
Holy Spirit Seals All Believers
Acts 8:14-17
14 Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, 15 who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. 16 For as yet He had fallen upon none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.
As the apostles and disciples first received God's Spirit at Pentecost, so here the Samaritans (and later gentiles, the world) had their inaugural moment of receiving Christ as immersion into His Spirit. They heard the word, and the pattern was initially set for these as for those before. Later the other first time for the gentiles would come. Ever since, we receive baptism into Christ upon conversion; in Acts salvation was just being proven and demonstrated in these three groups from Jerusalem to Samaria to the world (Acts1:8). So the church was beginning with the Spirit who gives us unity in Christ and ability to know and follow His word we receive.
14 Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, 15 who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. 16 For as yet He had fallen upon none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.
As the apostles and disciples first received God's Spirit at Pentecost, so here the Samaritans (and later gentiles, the world) had their inaugural moment of receiving Christ as immersion into His Spirit. They heard the word, and the pattern was initially set for these as for those before. Later the other first time for the gentiles would come. Ever since, we receive baptism into Christ upon conversion; in Acts salvation was just being proven and demonstrated in these three groups from Jerusalem to Samaria to the world (Acts1:8). So the church was beginning with the Spirit who gives us unity in Christ and ability to know and follow His word we receive.
Wednesday, March 15, 2017
God's Astonishing Work
Acts 8:12-13
12 But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized. 13 Then Simon himself also believed; and when he was baptized he continued with Philip, and was amazed, seeing the miracles and signs which were done.
Even sorcerers and atheists can be in awe of God's work when they see it firsthand. Here the people turned from a worker of false miracles to one with Jesus' power in action, and then the sorcerer himself was awed and so believed the words of truth. Simon then continued with Philip as he did God's work to prove he was bringing the truth. So those who deny Him may see truth, have their eyes opened, and follow God in His Son. Be amazed at the truth, not signs and wonders.
12 But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized. 13 Then Simon himself also believed; and when he was baptized he continued with Philip, and was amazed, seeing the miracles and signs which were done.
Even sorcerers and atheists can be in awe of God's work when they see it firsthand. Here the people turned from a worker of false miracles to one with Jesus' power in action, and then the sorcerer himself was awed and so believed the words of truth. Simon then continued with Philip as he did God's work to prove he was bringing the truth. So those who deny Him may see truth, have their eyes opened, and follow God in His Son. Be amazed at the truth, not signs and wonders.
Tuesday, March 14, 2017
False Claim to the Power of God
Acts 8:9-11
9 But there was a certain man called Simon, who previously practiced sorcery in the city and astonished the people of Samaria, claiming that he was someone great, 10 to whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is the great power of God.” 11 And they heeded him because he had astonished them with his sorceries for a long time.
How often people are mesmerized by those who draw attention to themselves as someone great and use cunning crafty tricks to make disciples of themselves. Some even claim or are said to be of God. But true followers of God are humble and draw attention to Christ their master, not themselves. They point to the God of great power, denying they are that power. We do well to not do as Simon says...
9 But there was a certain man called Simon, who previously practiced sorcery in the city and astonished the people of Samaria, claiming that he was someone great, 10 to whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is the great power of God.” 11 And they heeded him because he had astonished them with his sorceries for a long time.
How often people are mesmerized by those who draw attention to themselves as someone great and use cunning crafty tricks to make disciples of themselves. Some even claim or are said to be of God. But true followers of God are humble and draw attention to Christ their master, not themselves. They point to the God of great power, denying they are that power. We do well to not do as Simon says...
Monday, March 13, 2017
Great Joy in God's Working
Acts 8:5-8
5 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them. 6 And the multitudes with one accord heeded the things spoken by Philip, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. 7 For unclean spirits, crying with a loud voice, came out of many who were possessed; and many who were paralyzed and lame were healed. 8 And there was great joy in that city.
When Stephen was killed and the disciples scattered, Philip (another chosen to serve along with Stephen) spread the words of life, the good news, to Samaria. This is where Jesus talked with the woman at the well and many believed. So Philip demonstrated he was a Christ follower by also doing unexplainable acts, and joy came with the gospel and its proof. So is it where hearts open to Christ through the preaching of these words bringing life.
5 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them. 6 And the multitudes with one accord heeded the things spoken by Philip, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. 7 For unclean spirits, crying with a loud voice, came out of many who were possessed; and many who were paralyzed and lame were healed. 8 And there was great joy in that city.
When Stephen was killed and the disciples scattered, Philip (another chosen to serve along with Stephen) spread the words of life, the good news, to Samaria. This is where Jesus talked with the woman at the well and many believed. So Philip demonstrated he was a Christ follower by also doing unexplainable acts, and joy came with the gospel and its proof. So is it where hearts open to Christ through the preaching of these words bringing life.
Sunday, March 12, 2017
Scattered to End of the Earth
Acts 8:2-4
2 And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him. 3 As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison. 4 Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word.
Those who are of Christ know loss and honor those not loving their lives to the death for the sake of the gospel being heard, even by enemies. But Saul here, after agreeing with Stephen's stoning, went himself in disregard of the truth heard to try to stop the gospel and those it spread to. Yet the more the sheep were scattered, the more they followed the Shepherd of their souls, taking the words of life to the ends of the earth. Though His people may be killed, God's not dead. He is surely alive and living in His people.
2 And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him. 3 As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison. 4 Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word.
Those who are of Christ know loss and honor those not loving their lives to the death for the sake of the gospel being heard, even by enemies. But Saul here, after agreeing with Stephen's stoning, went himself in disregard of the truth heard to try to stop the gospel and those it spread to. Yet the more the sheep were scattered, the more they followed the Shepherd of their souls, taking the words of life to the ends of the earth. Though His people may be killed, God's not dead. He is surely alive and living in His people.
Saturday, March 11, 2017
Receive My Spirit, Lord
Acts 7:59 - 8:1
59 And they stoned Stephen as he was calling on God and saying, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 60 Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not charge them with this sin.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep. 8:1 Now Saul was consenting to his death. At that time a great persecution arose against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.
Stephen learned from following the Christ to forgive those who unjustly stoned him to death. He bore witness to the truth and pointed to deliverance from the just and earned wrath of God, and those opposed to God let their anger loose. Even Saul agreed - but God must have haunted him with Stephen's words. Even so, the persecution scattered the disciples to do what Jesus last told them, to make disciples as they went into all the world. But the apostles stayed put to build the church.
59 And they stoned Stephen as he was calling on God and saying, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 60 Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not charge them with this sin.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep. 8:1 Now Saul was consenting to his death. At that time a great persecution arose against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.
Stephen learned from following the Christ to forgive those who unjustly stoned him to death. He bore witness to the truth and pointed to deliverance from the just and earned wrath of God, and those opposed to God let their anger loose. Even Saul agreed - but God must have haunted him with Stephen's words. Even so, the persecution scattered the disciples to do what Jesus last told them, to make disciples as they went into all the world. But the apostles stayed put to build the church.
Friday, March 10, 2017
Gazing on Jesus
Acts 7:55-58
55 But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, 56 and said, “Look! I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!” 57 Then they cried out with a loud voice, stopped their ears, and ran at him with one accord; 58 and they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul.
Stephen was killed after gazing on Jesus in heaven, seeing a glimpse of the God he would soon be with. This was not a near death experience, but a view into God and His dwelling place. When he spoke of it and identified Jesus as the Son of God, they yelled, stuck their fingers in their ears to not hear more, and grabbed him to stone to death. As they stoned Stephen, they put his clothes by Saul of Tarsus, later to persecute believers to death. But the words of Stephen about Jesus stuck with him.
55 But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, 56 and said, “Look! I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!” 57 Then they cried out with a loud voice, stopped their ears, and ran at him with one accord; 58 and they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul.
Stephen was killed after gazing on Jesus in heaven, seeing a glimpse of the God he would soon be with. This was not a near death experience, but a view into God and His dwelling place. When he spoke of it and identified Jesus as the Son of God, they yelled, stuck their fingers in their ears to not hear more, and grabbed him to stone to death. As they stoned Stephen, they put his clothes by Saul of Tarsus, later to persecute believers to death. But the words of Stephen about Jesus stuck with him.
Wednesday, March 8, 2017
Cut to the Heart
Acts 7:51-54
51 “You stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit; as your fathers did, so do you. 52 Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who foretold the coming of the Just One, of whom you now have become the betrayers and murderers, 53 who have received the law by the direction of angels and have not kept it.” 54 When they heard these things they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed at him with their teeth.
After hearing God's work in His people over the years, the listeners then were faced with how they not only failed to take it to heart, but actually killed those continually sent to set them straight. Then they killed His Son sent to offer reconciliation in place of due justice. They did not keep God's word, and so again got angry at God and His messenger, ready to kill to cover their guilt with indignation and violence aimed at Stephen. With hardened hearts, they had no ears to hear truth.
51 “You stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit; as your fathers did, so do you. 52 Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who foretold the coming of the Just One, of whom you now have become the betrayers and murderers, 53 who have received the law by the direction of angels and have not kept it.” 54 When they heard these things they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed at him with their teeth.
After hearing God's work in His people over the years, the listeners then were faced with how they not only failed to take it to heart, but actually killed those continually sent to set them straight. Then they killed His Son sent to offer reconciliation in place of due justice. They did not keep God's word, and so again got angry at God and His messenger, ready to kill to cover their guilt with indignation and violence aimed at Stephen. With hardened hearts, they had no ears to hear truth.
Tuesday, March 7, 2017
Temple of the Heart
Acts 7:44-50
44 “Our fathers had the tabernacle of witness in the wilderness, as He appointed, instructing Moses to make it according to the pattern that he had seen, ... 47 But Solomon built Him a house. 48 “However, the Most High does not dwell in temples made with hands, as the prophet says: 49 ‘Heaven is My throne, And earth is My footstool. What house will you build for Me? says the Lord, Or what is the place of My rest? 50 Has My hand not made all these things?’
God met with man in a traveling tabernacle tent for years until Solomon built Him a permanent stone temple. Yet God only met with man there - He does not live in houses, but in heaven and earth and, most importantly, in hearts. He only lives and rests in us out of all creation made by His hand. That understanding should fill us with humility, fearful awe, and boundless thanks. We now then must worship in spirit and truth from gratefulness for His pleasure.
44 “Our fathers had the tabernacle of witness in the wilderness, as He appointed, instructing Moses to make it according to the pattern that he had seen, ... 47 But Solomon built Him a house. 48 “However, the Most High does not dwell in temples made with hands, as the prophet says: 49 ‘Heaven is My throne, And earth is My footstool. What house will you build for Me? says the Lord, Or what is the place of My rest? 50 Has My hand not made all these things?’
God met with man in a traveling tabernacle tent for years until Solomon built Him a permanent stone temple. Yet God only met with man there - He does not live in houses, but in heaven and earth and, most importantly, in hearts. He only lives and rests in us out of all creation made by His hand. That understanding should fill us with humility, fearful awe, and boundless thanks. We now then must worship in spirit and truth from gratefulness for His pleasure.
Monday, March 6, 2017
The Angel of God
Acts 7:38-40
38 This is the one who was in the congregation in the wilderness with the angel who spoke to him at Mount Sinai, and with our fathers. He received living oracles to give to us. 39 Our fathers refused to obey him, but thrust him aside, and in their hearts they turned to Egypt, 40 saying to Aaron, ‘Make for us gods who will go before us. As for this Moses who led us out from the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him.’
The Angel of God, Christ Himself, burned in the bush and led His people to deliverance. He gave His word on tablets of stone and in speaking through Moses, but the people refused and made the works of their hands their gods. Even now the choice remains - do we have ears to hear and eyes to see from our hearts what God has done in the suffering from death to life of Jesus Christ for us? Or do we feebly attempt to forge our own gods by effort, intellect, and selfish ambition to give our lives to?
38 This is the one who was in the congregation in the wilderness with the angel who spoke to him at Mount Sinai, and with our fathers. He received living oracles to give to us. 39 Our fathers refused to obey him, but thrust him aside, and in their hearts they turned to Egypt, 40 saying to Aaron, ‘Make for us gods who will go before us. As for this Moses who led us out from the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him.’
The Angel of God, Christ Himself, burned in the bush and led His people to deliverance. He gave His word on tablets of stone and in speaking through Moses, but the people refused and made the works of their hands their gods. Even now the choice remains - do we have ears to hear and eyes to see from our hearts what God has done in the suffering from death to life of Jesus Christ for us? Or do we feebly attempt to forge our own gods by effort, intellect, and selfish ambition to give our lives to?
Sunday, March 5, 2017
Christ: Ruler and Redeemer
Acts 7:35-37
35 “This Moses, whom they rejected, saying, ‘Who made you a ruler and a judge?’—this man God sent as both ruler and redeemer by the hand of the angel who appeared to him in the bush. 36 This man led them out, performing wonders and signs in Egypt and at the Red Sea and in the wilderness for forty years. 37 This is the Moses who said to the Israelites, ‘God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your brothers.’
God was Israel's deliverer from Egypt; He just used Moses. So they argued against God's deliverance, and were told a Prophet to come would later be raised up to listen to, the Messiah Jesus known as the Christ. All the wonders God did in deliverance from bondage and in the desert were built on by Jesus continuing the work to prove He is that one. He raised the dead, gave sight to the blind, wholeness to the lame, hearing to ears not hearing, and so much more. So Stephen reminded them who Jesus is and of their continuing rebellion as a testimony against their rejection of God in Him. Do not refuse Him.
35 “This Moses, whom they rejected, saying, ‘Who made you a ruler and a judge?’—this man God sent as both ruler and redeemer by the hand of the angel who appeared to him in the bush. 36 This man led them out, performing wonders and signs in Egypt and at the Red Sea and in the wilderness for forty years. 37 This is the Moses who said to the Israelites, ‘God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your brothers.’
God was Israel's deliverer from Egypt; He just used Moses. So they argued against God's deliverance, and were told a Prophet to come would later be raised up to listen to, the Messiah Jesus known as the Christ. All the wonders God did in deliverance from bondage and in the desert were built on by Jesus continuing the work to prove He is that one. He raised the dead, gave sight to the blind, wholeness to the lame, hearing to ears not hearing, and so much more. So Stephen reminded them who Jesus is and of their continuing rebellion as a testimony against their rejection of God in Him. Do not refuse Him.
Saturday, March 4, 2017
God's Time and Plan
Acts 7:30-34
30 “And when forty years had passed, an Angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire in a bush, in the wilderness of Mount Sinai. 31 When Moses saw it, he marveled at the sight; and as he drew near to observe, the voice of the Lord came to him, 32 saying, ‘I am the God of your fathers—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’ And Moses trembled and dared not look. 33 ‘Then the Lord said to him, “Take your sandals off your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground. 34 I have surely seen the oppression of My people who are in Egypt; I have heard their groaning and have come down to deliver them. And now come, I will send you to Egypt.” ’
Moses was 40 when he left Egypt, then another 40 years passed till he saw God face to face in a burning bush. In that holy place, God told him it was time for His people to come out of bondage and he was to go there by God's sending. God's timing would align to what was promised after 400 years for their freedom, their saving deliverance from bondage (a shadow of release from our bondage to sin).
30 “And when forty years had passed, an Angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire in a bush, in the wilderness of Mount Sinai. 31 When Moses saw it, he marveled at the sight; and as he drew near to observe, the voice of the Lord came to him, 32 saying, ‘I am the God of your fathers—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’ And Moses trembled and dared not look. 33 ‘Then the Lord said to him, “Take your sandals off your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground. 34 I have surely seen the oppression of My people who are in Egypt; I have heard their groaning and have come down to deliver them. And now come, I will send you to Egypt.” ’
Moses was 40 when he left Egypt, then another 40 years passed till he saw God face to face in a burning bush. In that holy place, God told him it was time for His people to come out of bondage and he was to go there by God's sending. God's timing would align to what was promised after 400 years for their freedom, their saving deliverance from bondage (a shadow of release from our bondage to sin).
Friday, March 3, 2017
Deliver God's Way
Acts 7:23-29
23 “Now when he was forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brethren, the children of Israel. 24 And seeing one of them suffer wrong, he defended and avenged him who was oppressed, and struck down the Egyptian. 25 For he supposed that his brethren would have understood that God would deliver them by his hand, but they did not understand. 26 And the next day he appeared to two of them as they were fighting, and tried to reconcile them, saying, ‘Men, you are brethren; why do you wrong one another?’ 27 But he who did his neighbor wrong pushed him away, saying, ‘Who made you a ruler and a judge over us? 28 Do you want to kill me as you did the Egyptian yesterday?’ 29 Then, at this saying, Moses fled and became a dweller in the land of Midian, where he had two sons.
Moses was called to deliver God's people, so he killed an Egyptian mistreating one. At 40 years old, he thought respect for his age and calling as deliverer would be understood and respected, but instead Moses was not. The one starting a fight between two of God's people asked how Moses had the right to judge and mentioned out loud about the murder. So Moses ran after trying to deliver his way. For another 40 years. We can learn the lesson from this to deliver others God's way, not in our own strength, might, or reasoning.
23 “Now when he was forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brethren, the children of Israel. 24 And seeing one of them suffer wrong, he defended and avenged him who was oppressed, and struck down the Egyptian. 25 For he supposed that his brethren would have understood that God would deliver them by his hand, but they did not understand. 26 And the next day he appeared to two of them as they were fighting, and tried to reconcile them, saying, ‘Men, you are brethren; why do you wrong one another?’ 27 But he who did his neighbor wrong pushed him away, saying, ‘Who made you a ruler and a judge over us? 28 Do you want to kill me as you did the Egyptian yesterday?’ 29 Then, at this saying, Moses fled and became a dweller in the land of Midian, where he had two sons.
Moses was called to deliver God's people, so he killed an Egyptian mistreating one. At 40 years old, he thought respect for his age and calling as deliverer would be understood and respected, but instead Moses was not. The one starting a fight between two of God's people asked how Moses had the right to judge and mentioned out loud about the murder. So Moses ran after trying to deliver his way. For another 40 years. We can learn the lesson from this to deliver others God's way, not in our own strength, might, or reasoning.
Thursday, March 2, 2017
Mighty Moses
Acts 7:17-22
17 “But when the time of the promise drew near which God had sworn to Abraham, the people grew and multiplied in Egypt 18 till another king arose who did not know Joseph. 19 This man dealt treacherously with our people, and oppressed our forefathers, making them expose their babies, so that they might not live. 20 At this time Moses was born, and was well pleasing to God; and he was brought up in his father's house for three months. 21 But when he was set out, Pharaoh's daughter took him away and brought him up as her own son. 22 And Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and deeds.
God's people increased as promised until the new pharaoh came into power and enslaved them. He tried to kill the male babies (God later takes their firstborn sons), but Moses is spared by God and even raised as Pharaoh's son. So one of God's learned all the wisdom of the king as a son of a slave. God knew what He was doing in so raising a deliverer for His people in His time. The time of the promise to bring the people out of bondage after 400 years of servitude was near. So He saves us from the bondage of sin when the time of His Son comes for each of us in His appointed time.
17 “But when the time of the promise drew near which God had sworn to Abraham, the people grew and multiplied in Egypt 18 till another king arose who did not know Joseph. 19 This man dealt treacherously with our people, and oppressed our forefathers, making them expose their babies, so that they might not live. 20 At this time Moses was born, and was well pleasing to God; and he was brought up in his father's house for three months. 21 But when he was set out, Pharaoh's daughter took him away and brought him up as her own son. 22 And Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and deeds.
God's people increased as promised until the new pharaoh came into power and enslaved them. He tried to kill the male babies (God later takes their firstborn sons), but Moses is spared by God and even raised as Pharaoh's son. So one of God's learned all the wisdom of the king as a son of a slave. God knew what He was doing in so raising a deliverer for His people in His time. The time of the promise to bring the people out of bondage after 400 years of servitude was near. So He saves us from the bondage of sin when the time of His Son comes for each of us in His appointed time.
Wednesday, March 1, 2017
God's Higher Plan
Acts 7:9-10, 14-15
9 “And the patriarchs, becoming envious, sold Joseph into Egypt. But God was with him 10 and delivered him out of all his troubles, and gave him favor and wisdom in the presence of Pharaoh, king of Egypt; and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house. ... 14 Then Joseph sent and called his father Jacob and all his relatives to him, seventy-five people. 15 So Jacob went down to Egypt; and he died, he and our fathers.
What men intend for evil, God had a higher and earlier plan for good. Joseph's brothers almost killed him, then sold him as a slave - but God gave him reign over Egypt as second to Pharaoh. He then called Israel away from famine to thrive in Egypt. God even told them long before they would spend 400 years exiled there before delivering, saving from slavery and increasing in the process. He is sovereign over all time. And us.
9 “And the patriarchs, becoming envious, sold Joseph into Egypt. But God was with him 10 and delivered him out of all his troubles, and gave him favor and wisdom in the presence of Pharaoh, king of Egypt; and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house. ... 14 Then Joseph sent and called his father Jacob and all his relatives to him, seventy-five people. 15 So Jacob went down to Egypt; and he died, he and our fathers.
What men intend for evil, God had a higher and earlier plan for good. Joseph's brothers almost killed him, then sold him as a slave - but God gave him reign over Egypt as second to Pharaoh. He then called Israel away from famine to thrive in Egypt. God even told them long before they would spend 400 years exiled there before delivering, saving from slavery and increasing in the process. He is sovereign over all time. And us.
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